WorkSafe ACT

In the ACT, a PCBU or officer whose reckless or negligent breach of a WHS duty causes a death commits industrial manslaughter.

From 1 December 2026 the 0.05 mg/m³ silica standard becomes a legally binding workplace exposure limit (WEL).

the ACT PCBUs must, so far as is reasonably practicable, ensure the health and safety of workers and others affected by the work.

WHS duty extends to psychosocial hazards — workload, bullying, harassment, role conflict.

Before high risk construction work starts, a SWMS must identify the work, its hazards and risks, the control measures, and how they are implemented, monitored and reviewed.

All construction site workers must have completed nationally recognised induction training (CPCWHS1001).

ACT extends portable LSL to cafés, restaurants, accommodation, hair and beauty from 1 January 2027 (deferred from 1 July 2026).

Forklift, crane, scaffolding, dogging, rigging, EWP and other high-risk work requires a HRWL.

Trading as Real Aussie Sheds, the company had workers unload roof sheeting at height in wet, windy weather at a Jervis Bay site in July 2022, contrary to its own SWMS; a worker fell from a ladder. No scaffolding, EWP or fall protection was used.

At a Gungahlin construction site in November 2022 an excavator bucket operated by the director struck a worker's foot, leading to a toe amputation. The company and director did not follow their own SWMS controls for mobile plant.

Demolition of concrete hobs in a Canberra Centre carpark in January 2023 dislodged three metal facade panels near unrelated workers; no injuries. DECC had been charged and proposed the EU instead; first EU accepted by WorkSafe ACT since 2020.

Contractors dry-cut engineered stone (quartz) benchtops in eight units at a Coombs site in January 2023 without water suppression, exposing workers to respirable crystalline silica. The director had not completed the required silica awareness training.

Its business PTC Consulting Engineers designed the shoring wall for the WOVA precinct basement in Woden; a 35m section collapsed in August 2022 with nobody present. First ACT prosecution of an engineering firm for unsafe design.